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United States Patent |
5,303,445
|
Meyers
|
April 19, 1994
|
Detachable hand trowel
Abstract
A trowel handle having a blade, one or more upright supports mounted on
that blade and a handle adapted for detachably engaging that support is
disclosed. The handle includes a channel having tapered sidewalls
configured to form a wedge-like engagement with a respective support,
thereby precluding the handle's displacement relative to the blade absent
the imposition of a force of considerable magnitude directed in a
preselected direction.
Inventors:
|
Meyers; Lawrence G. (Layton, UT)
|
Assignee:
|
Meyer Products Group, Inc. (Kaysville, UT)
|
Appl. No.:
|
016283 |
Filed:
|
February 11, 1993 |
Current U.S. Class: |
15/235.4; 15/145; 15/245.1; 16/422; 403/381 |
Intern'l Class: |
B05C 017/10 |
Field of Search: |
15/145,176.1,235.4-235.8,245.1
16/114 R
403/331,381
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
92506 | Jul., 1869 | Ault | 15/235.
|
593770 | Nov., 1897 | Hilton | 15/235.
|
1003388 | Sep., 1911 | Wilson | 15/235.
|
1125844 | Jan., 1915 | Hardscocg | 15/235.
|
1763066 | Jun., 1930 | Rooney | 15/235.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
741487 | Dec., 1955 | GB | 15/235.
|
Primary Examiner: Coe; Philip R.
Assistant Examiner: Spisich; Mark
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Denk; Paul M.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/629,388,
filed Dec. 18, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,244, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/321,193, filed Mar. 9,
1989, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A trowel comprising:
an elongated blade,
an elongate stiffener mounted on said blade to extend said side walls of
the blade stiffener being tapered along the length of said elongate
stiffener,
a handle having a downwardly directed elongate channel, said channel being
tapered along its length, said channel having opposing side walls, said
side walls being tapered along their length, said channel formed in the
handle being configured to slidably receive the tapered side walls of the
elongate stiffener to form a detachable union of said handle and said
stiffener, said stiffener including a plurality of lateral extensions,
each extension having the said tapered side walls and laterally extending
from a respective sidewall of said elongated stiffener, and said tapered
side walls of the extensions configured to engage within said handle
channel to form the said detachable union.
2. The trowel according to claim 1 wherein said extensions are positioned
on opposing sidewalls of said stiffener.
3. The trowel according to claim 1 wherein said extensions are positioned
laterally opposite one another along a length of said stiffener.
4. The trowel according to claim 1 wherein said extensions are staggeredly
positioned on opposing sidewalls of said stiffener along a length thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field
This invention relates to implements adapted for spreading and otherwise
distributing fluid or semi-fluid material. More particularly, the
invention is directed to implements for use in spreading paste-like
materials such as plaster, cement, adhesives, or other paste-like
material.
2. State of the Art
For centuries, building techniques have involved the use of adhesives,
plaster, cement and other paste-like materials. Many construction
techniques require means of removing a paste-like material from a supply
thereof and transferring a given quantity to an application site.
Thereafter, the means is often used to spread the material over the
application site to achieve a selected thickness preparatory to the
application of another building material, such as flooring, tile or other
material.
Trowels of various configurations have been used for many years to effect
the aforesaid function. In appearance, a trowel conventionally includes a
flat planar blade which is oftentimes quadrilateral in shape. A handle is
fixedly mounted to the blade to extend uprightly therefrom, thereby
providing a means of manipulating the blade. The handle may include a
cylindrically shaped member configured to be grasped by the user. The
longitudinal axis of the handle is generally oriented horizontally and
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade.
Specialized trowels have been developed for use in smoothing out
irregularities created during the application of paste-like compounds, wet
cement, and adhesive emulsions such as latex, acrylic, asphalt, vinyl,
epoxies, and thin set gypsum compounds. Such trowels typically include a
blade configured for handling a specific material. For example, a trowel
blade adapted for a smoothing plaster-like leveling compounds on walls and
floors is generally flat or may have a slight concave curl to the smooth
edge of the blade. The longitudinal edges of such trowels are the primary
working surfaces. The trowel is used by holding the blade at an acute
angle (e.g. 10-35.degree.) to the surface to be worked. Pressure is
applied to the trowel as it is drawn across the surface, driving a puddle
of leveling compound before it. Due to the abrasive nature of the leveling
compounds and the substrate over which these compounds are applied, over
time, the edges of the blade are abraded and worn, eventually narrowing
the blade. Trowels directed for use in smoothing wet cement include blades
configured to be slightly convex across their width and curled in the same
direction on the front and back ends. In use, the entire bottom smooth
surface of such blades are utilized. Owing to the abrasive nature of the
cement being spread and the substrate over which the cement is applied,
the blade edges are abraded and actually become razor sharp as the blade
narrows. Understandably, over time the blade becomes less effective while
also becoming a safety hazard to the user. The moderate or severe wear and
abrasion on the blade edges of a trowel appreciably depreciate the
functionality of a trowel, specifically when smoothing operations are
involved.
Due to the fixed mounting of the trowel blade on the handle, the
deterioration of a blade has in the past forced the user to purchase an
entire new trowel. Recently, attempts have been made to provide trowels
wherein the blade is made removable from the handle. Since handles
typically are subjected to minimal wear, one handle may be used with a
succession of replacement blades, thereby providing an economical means of
meeting the need for efficient trowels.
An example of a detachable handle trowel involves a planar blade defining a
pair of keyhole slots positioned spacedly apart therein. The handle
includes a pair of outwardly extending nut-fitted bolts. Each bolt is
first threaded onto the handle from the bottom by means of its slotted
head. A thumb screw is then tightened down against the handle from the top
like a jam nut to keep the bolt from rotating loose. If the blade is to be
replaced, the thumb screws are first loosened then the screws are loosened
from the bottom. In this particular design, the head of the bolt, which
passes through the slot, extends below the bottom surface of the blade.
This construction destroys the smooth planarity of that bottom blade
surface, and hinders the use of the trowel as a means of producing a
smooth paste surface since the bolt head is constantly digging into the
paste as the blade is driven over the paste.
While the aforesaid trowel has provided a means of some benefit in
addressing the above concerns, there continues to be a need for a trowel
which at once addresses the problem of providing a replaceable blade
capability while simultaneously providing a means of maintaining the
smooth planar bottom working surface of the trowel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A trowel of the invention includes a blade, and a support mounted on that
blade to form a blade assembly. A handle, having a connection means
associated therewith, is adapted for detachably connecting the handle with
the support. The connection means is adapted for being attached and
detached without the need for tools.
The blade may be fabricated in a variety of configurations. For example,
the invention may include blades having a smooth, flat bottom surface, a
bottom surface surface having a convex or concave curl defined therein
(either on the ends thereof or across the width) or notched edges. Though
the blade may contain apertures therein, the trowel is configured such
that no structure e.g. fasteners or other connection means, extends below
or outwardly from the blade's bottom surface. More specifically, the
support and connection means are positioned in or above the blade such
that they do not extend below the bottom surface of the blade. An
important feature of the invention is the use of a connection means whose
use and operation does not interfere or interrupt the smooth bottom
surface of the blade and thereby does not impede the use of the blade in
smoothing-type operations.
The support may be an elongate member which extends longitudinally along a
length of the blade. Alternatively, the support may be configured as a
plurality of individual supports.
In those embodiments having an elongate support, that support may be
tapered over its length. The support or supports may be configured to have
vertically upright sidewalls which are preferably tapered. In one
embodiment, the sidewalls are tapered whereby the width of the support
increases over the height of the support, i.e., the support obtains a
minimum width proximate its mounting on the blade and increases in width
over the height of the support. Each support may include one or more
laterally extending wings or extensions which likewise may have sidewalls
presenting a tapered appearance. These extensions may be arranged on
opposing sides of the support along a length thereof. In some embodiments,
the extensions may be arranged in a symmetric, opposing arrangement while
in other embodiments the placement of the extensions may be staggered
along a length of the support.
The support may be fabricated from a substantially rigid material, e.g.
steel, and may be configured to extend over a substantial length of the
blade. In particular embodiment, the support functions as a stiffening
means for adding a degree rigidity to the planar blade.
In a preferred embodiment wherein a flexible blade is fitted with a
plurality of upstanding spacedly mounted supports, the blade together with
its supports forms a longitudinally flexible blade assembly. Due to the
flexibility of the blade assembly upon the blade handle being attached to
the blade assembly, the blade assembly adopts a configuration which
conforms to the bottom surf ace of the handle. It follows that a
manufacturer may produce a single generic blade assembly and a number of
blade handles of different bottom surface configurations. The blade
assemblies would then be mountable on the various handles to produce a
variety of specially configured blade working surfaces.
The handle of the trowel includes one or more enclosed channels or slots,
each having a single respective inlet opening. Each channel is dimensioned
and configured to receive and engage a respective support and form a
detachable union therewith. Each channel may generally include an elongate
section defined by sidewalls having a tapered appearance over their
height. The channel may also be tapered over its length. The handle may
include one or more flanges which extend into the channel to form a means
of engaging the tapered supports and forming a union therewith upon a
longitudinal displacement of the handle relative to the blade.
In those embodiments wherein the supports are not elongate in
configuration, the handle may be manufactured of a substantially rigid
material. This material choice facilitates the handle's function as a
stiffening means for the blade upon that handle being brought into a
contiguous relationship with that blade.
In some embodiments, each of the channels or slots may be fitted with a
drain channel for removing paste or semi-fluid material therefrom. These
drain channels may be interconnected whereby material collected in one or
more channels or slots may be directed to a common discharge outlet
adapted for directing the material out of the handle.
The blade and handle are adapted to permit the blade fitted support(s) to
be inserted into the handle channel inlet opening and thereafter, a
longitudinal displacement of the handle relative to the blade effects a
union of the handle and blade as the tapered supports engage the channel
flanges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the trowel of the invention. The handle is
shown in a solid line representation detached from the blade and in a
phantom view representation secured to the blade;
FIG. 2 is an end view of the trowel shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a trowel blade of the invention;
FIG. 4 is an end view of the blade of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the blade of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a trowel handle of the invention;
FIG. 7 is an end view of the trowel handle of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the trowel handle of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the trowel of
the invention, the lower section of the handle being shown in phantom for
clarity;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the trowel of FIG. 9 taken along
section line 10--10;
FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of the trowel of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the trowel handle of FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of the trowel of FIG. 12 taken along
sectional line 13-13;
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the trowel blade of the trowel embodiment of
FIG. 9;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the blade shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is an end view of the blade shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the support
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 19 is a side view of the support shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an end view of the support shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a side view of a second alternative embodiment of the trowel
handle of the invention;
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the handle shown in FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is an end view of the handle shown in FIG. 21;
FIG. 24 is a partial sectional end view of the handle shown in FIG. 21;
FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative handle construction of the
invention;
FIG. 26 is a side view of the handle of FIG. 25 shown in association with a
flexible blade assembly;
FIG. 27 is a side view of an alternative handle and blade assembly
construction of the invention;
FIG. 28 is a side view of a blade assembly adapted for use with the
construction of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a side view of the handle of the construction of FIG. 27; and
FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As shown in FIG. 1, a trowel of the instant invention includes a blade 26,
a support 28 and a handle 30.
The Blade
Blade 26 is a flat planar member having a smooth, uninterrupted planar
bottom surface 32 and a smooth planar top surface 34. Whereas the top
surface 34 is mounted with a support 28 which extends outwardly from the
surface 34, the bottom surface 32 is completely planar and flat. This
particular planar configuration of the bottom surface 32 is important in
that this is the working surface which is utilized in smoothing the
plaster or cement surface being worked on by the trowel. In contrast to
the aforesaid conventional detachable handle trowel, which has a bottom
surface which defines openings and irregularities, e.g. bolt heads, the
instant invention includes a bottom surface 32 which is completely free of
any protruding structure which could frustrate the smoothing function of
the trowel.
Blade 26 has a very thin thickness and is preferably manufactured of a
somewhat rigid yet flexible material, e.g. steel. As shown, blade 26 has a
generally quadrilateral configuration. While this shape is preferred,
other blade configurations are equally adaptable to the invention. The
blade is longitudinally flexible.
While the aforesaid description is directed to a smooth, planar blade
construction, it should be understood that the invention is equally
directed to blades which (1) have a slight concave curl to the smooth
bottom blade surface; (2) are configured to be slightly convex across the
blade width and slightly curled in a common direction on the blade's front
and rear ends; or (3) are configured to include notched edges. In brief,
the instant invention is adapted for use with substantially any
conventional blade construction.
The Support
Support 28 is an elongate member which extends substantially over the
length of the blade 26. Fabricated of a generally rigid material, the
support 28 is fixedly mounted to the blade 26 to give integrity and some
degree of rigidity to the thin flexible blade 26. As shown, support 28 has
a thickness considerably larger than the blade 26. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the support 28 includes a plurality of wings or
extensions 36 which extend laterally from the main support structure. Each
extension 36 is mounted in the upstanding sidewall 38 of the support 28.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the extensions 36 are grouped in pairs, each
extension being positioned opposite a companion extension mounted on an
opposing sidewall and about a longitudinal axis 40 of the support 28. For
example, an extension 36A is shown positioned symmetrically with an
extension 36B about longitudinal axis 40.
Each pair of extensions 36 are positioned spacedly apart from an adjacent
pair of extensions along the length of the support 28. Though the
symmetric positioning of the extensions is a preferred construction, the
invention also includes the spacing of the extensions in a non-symmetric
arrangement wherein the extensions are arranged in a generally staggered
orientation along the length of the support as shown in FIG. 18.
The outwardly facing end 42 of each extension is beveled (FIGS. 3 and 4).
More specifically, the ends are tapered, with the width 44 of the
extension obtaining a minimum width proximate the extension's abutment
with the blade 26. As the extension extends upward, the endwall flares
outwardly, continuously increasing the width 44 of the extension 36.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the width 46 of the support 28 may be tapered
over the length of the support. In FIG. 3, this tapering is shown by the
decreasing width 44 of each succeeding pair of extensions 36, i.e.,
extension pair 50 are noticeably wider than extension pair 52. As shown by
the dotted lines 54, the effective width 56 of the support 28 decreases
from support end 58 to support end 60.
Recognizably, this particular tapered design over the length of the support
may be achieved by eliminating the extensions 36 and forming the support
28 to include substantially linear edges corresponding to the dotted lines
54 in FIG. 3.
The support 28 may be fixedly mounted to blade 26 by a number of means. As
shown, upstanding rivets 62 secured to blade 26 may be secured to support
28 in a manner known in the art.
The Handle
Handle 30 includes a substantially cylindrical section 66 configured to be
grasped by the user's hand. As shown, the longitudinal axis 68 of that
section 66 extends generally horizontally and substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis 40 of the blade 26. The section 66 is supported at
each of its opposing ends by an upright support, respectively supports 69,
70 which are connected to section 66. A horizontally extending base
support 72 is connected to each support 69 and 70 to form a foundation
therefor. The handle 30 forms a generally "D"-shaped configuration
defining an opening 74 therein through which the user's hand may pass to
facilitate grasping the section 66.
The base support 72 defines an elongate channel 80 therein which is shown
extending along the complete length of that support 72. Channel 80
includes a planar ceiling 82 and a pair of opposing tapered or beveled
sidewalls 84. As shown to advantage in FIG. 6, each channel sidewall
flares outwardly over the height of the channel 80, whereby the channel 80
obtains a minimum width 86 proximate the lower surface 88 of the handle.
The channel 80 has a maximum width 86 proximate the ceiling 82.
The width of the channel 80 is dimensioned to correspond with the width of
the support 28.
As shown in FIG. 8, the width of the channel 80 decreases over the length
of the channel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, that width decreases
continuously from the end 90 of the channel to the channel end 92. The
width 86A is dimensioned to correspond with a width of the
support/extension arrangement between the opposing ends 58 and 60 of that
support. The width 86B is likewise dimensioned to correspond to a width of
the support 28 between opposing ends 58 and 60.
Channel 80 includes an open inlet opening 93 which is dimensioned to
receive the end 60 of the support 28 and direct that support into channel
80. As shown in FIG. i, a detached handle 30 may be mounted to a blade
26/support 28 arrangement by aligning the respective longitudinal axis 40
and 68 of the components. The support 28 is then inserted into inlet
opening 93 as the handle is displaced longitudinally along a length of the
blade 26. As the handle 30 proceeds along a length of the blade 26,
eventually the tapered channel 80 begins to tighten about support 28 until
the handle 20 is eventually wedged on the support 28 into a tight
engagement. Due to the placement of the channel-defining flange-like lips
98 of the handle under the outwardly flaring extensions 36, the handle 30
is precluded from being displace upwardly away from the blade. The tapered
wedge fit of the channel 80 about the support precludes a further
displacement of the handle 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 100. The
wedging action is also sufficient owing to the composition of the handle
and the support 28 to preclude a displacement of handle 30 in the
direction indicated by arrow 102 absent the application of a considerable
force to the handle.
To disengage the handle 30, the user applies a force to the handle 30 in
the direction indicated by arrow 102, thereby displacing the handle 30 in
that direction relative to the blade 26 until the handle clears the
support 28.
First Alternative Embodiment
FIGS. 9-17 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this
particular construction, the blade is fitted with a plurality of
individual supports 28B which are positioned spacedly apart from one
another longitudinally along a length of the blade 26. In this
construction, the supports 28B in association with the blade form a
longitudinally flexible member which may be formed into a variety of
configurations. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, each support 28B is configured as
an inverted truncated cone. The supports 28B are arrange substantially
linearly along the longitudinal axis 40 of the blade 26. Each support 28B
may be mounted to the blade 26 by a means known in the art. As shown in
FIG. 17, the bottom surface 32 of the blade 26 is free of any irregularity
which would disrupt its planar appearance.
The handle 30B includes a generally cylindrical section 110 conjoined to an
upstanding support 112. Thus support 112, in turn, is mounted to a
longitudinally extending base support 114, adapted f or contiguous
placement on blade 26. FIG. 13 illustrates the particular slotting
arrangement of handle 30B. As shown, the bottom surface 116 of base
support 112 defines a plurality of slots 118 which are positioned spacedly
apart from one another along the length of the base support 114. Each slot
118 includes a generally circular inlet opening 120 and a contiguous
elongate channel 122. In appearance, each slot 118 appears like a keyhole.
Both the inlet 120 and channel 122 are open-sided openings communicating
with the bottom surface 116 of base support 114.
Both the inlet 120 and channel 122 of each slot 118 is generally enclosed
and each extends only partially through the height 126 of the base support
114 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The upper surface or ceiling 128 of the
channel 122 and inlet opening 120 is planar over the length of the slot
118. The open sides of the channel 122 are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 as
being tapered. The edges 130 of the handle 30B which define the edge of
the open side of each channel 122 define a minimum width 131 of the
channel 122. The width 131 of the channel increases over the height of the
channel as is shown to advantage in FIG. 13. Each channel 122 is
configured and dimensioned to correspond with a respective upright support
28B.
In order to attach the handle 30B to blade 26, each inlet opening 120 is
dimensioned to receive a respective support 28B when the handle 30B is
vertically displaced downward onto the blade 26 as shown in FIG. 11. The
inlet openings 120 are dimensioned to receive the supports 28B so as to
bring the bottom surface 116 of the handle 30B into abutment with the top
surface 34 of the blade 26. Subsequent to the insertion of the supports
28B into their respective inlet openings 120, the handle 30B is displaced
longitudinally in the direction indicated by arrow 133 relative to blade
26, thereby positioning each support 28B within its respective channel
122. Due to the dimensioning of the channels 122, each support 28B is
wedged into engagement with its respective channel 122 to form a
detachable engagement or union therewith.
Due to the shape of the supports 28B, i.e. the outwardly flared edges
thereof, the handle 30B is precluded from being upwardly or laterally
displaced. The wedging action of the supports against the sidewalls of the
channels 122 preclude a displacement of the handle 30B relative to the
blade 26 absent an application of a considerable force to the handle in
the direction indicated by arrow 138.
Removal of the handle 30B from the blade 26 is accomplished by applying a
force in the direction of arrow 138, thereby bringing the supports 28B
into registration with their respective inlet openings 120 and thereafter
displacing the handle 30B upward away from the blade 26.
Since the blade assembly, formed by the blade 26 and supports 28B, are
flexible, the blade assembly adopts the configuration of the bottom
surface of the base support 114 upon the mounting of the handle 30B onto
the blade assembly. It follows that blade assemblies of various
configurations can be obtained by configuring the bottom surface of the
base support 114 accordingly. Observably, one blade assembly configuration
may fit all of the various handle configurations.
Second Alternative Embodiment
A second alternative construction of the trowel handle 30 of the invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 21-24 and is generally referenced as 30C. The
particular construction has been constructed to avoid the complications
which arise from adhesives, cement, or other paste-like materials entering
into the inlets 120 and the channels 122 of each of slots 118 of the base
support. It has been found that during the trowel's use, these materials
often work themselves into the slots 118. When the handle 30 is separated
from the blade 26, this material may remain in the slots 118. As the
quantity of paste-like material in slots 118 builds up, eventually the
supports 28B may not be fully inserted into their respective slots 118,
since the paste-like material fills up the channels 122, or inlets 120 and
precludes the entry of the supports therein. Observably, with the supports
28B not being fully inserted into channels 122, the union of the handle 30
with the blade 26 is incomplete. The failure to form a complete union of
the handle 30 with the blade 26 can lead to the failure of either the
trowel itself or the various components thereof.
The embodiment of FIGS. 21-24 addresses the problem of paste-like material
buildup in the inlets 120 and channels 122. As shown, handle 30C defines a
plurality of inlets 120 and channels 122 which are spacedly arranged in a
linear arrangement in the base support 140. Similar to the construction of
the base support 114 of FIG. 11, the base support 140 defines inlets 120
and channels 122 which extend only partially through the height of the
base member 140. (See FIGS. 23 and 24.) Each inlet 120 is associated with
a respective channel 122 to form a generally key slot-shaped recess well.
As shown to advantage in FIG. 22, each inlet 120 has a larger width or
diameter 139 than the width 138 of its respective channel 122. Further, as
shown to advantage in FIG. 24, sidewalls of the channels 122 are
angulated, i.e. the sidewalls 141 are angled from the horizon by an angle
143. The angle 143 corresponds generally with the angle 144 of the
supports 28B (see FIG. 11). The channel sidewalls 141 are spaced part
sufficiently to permit the entry of a respective support 28B into the
inlet 120 and channel 122 and further to allow a close tolerance fit of
the support 28B within the channel 122.
As shown to advantage in FIG. 22, an elongate channel 146 is configured in
base support 140 to extend from the end 148 of base support 140 to the
opposing end 150 of base support 140. As shown to advantage in FIGS. 24,
channel 146 has a width 152 which is dimensionally smaller than the width
154 of inlet 120 and the width 156 of channel 122. Channel 146
interconnects each pair of inlets 120 and channels 122.
As shown in FIGS. 23-24, the height of channel 146 is greater than the
height of both the channels 122 and the inlets 120. It follows that any
paste-like material which has worked itself into one of the inlets 120 or
channels 122 may be forcedly driven from that inlet or channel by the
entry of a support 28B into the channel 122 or inlet 120. The material may
be driven into the region 157 of channel 46 interposed between an adjacent
inlet 120 and channel 122 or alternatively into the region 159 of channel
122 which is positioned above the inlet 120 and channel 122.
Assuming the paste-like material is fluid, that material may flow from each
inlet 120 and channel 122 pair to an adjacent inlet 120 and channel 122
pair. Eventually, the paste material may exit the base support 140 via
either the channel 146's first outlet 160 or second outlet 162.
The width of channel 146, especially in the regions 157 between adjacent
inlets 120 and channels 122 is measurably smaller than the width of
supports 28B. It follows that the supports 28B can not be displaced
through regions 157 from one channel 122 to an adjacent non-pair inlet
120. For example, in FIG. 22, a support 28B being received in channel 122A
could not pass via channel 146 region 157A to reach inlet 120A.
As the user attaches the handle 30B to blade 26, it follows that any
paste-like material residing in any of the channels 122 or inlets 120 are
driven into channel 146 by the forced insertion of apparatus 28B into
those channels and inlets. As channel 146 is filled, the paste material is
driven outwardly through outlets 160 and 162.
FIGS. 25-26 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein
the handle 30 presents a lower, blade-engaging surface 170 which is not
planar in configuration. As shown in FIG. 25, the handle 30 defines a
lower surface 170 which is essentially planar (linear) along a central
region 172 thereof and furthermore defines two planar or linear regions
174 and 176 which are defined at opposing ends of the central region 172.
In side view, the handle's blade-engaging surface is a substantially
"U"-shaped configuration with each of the regions 174 and 176 forming a
respective wing-like section which extends outwardly at an angle 178 from
the central region 172.
A blade assembly formed by a planar, rectangular blade 26 and its
associated supports 28B forms a longitudinally flexible blade assembly.
The blade assembly may be slidably mounted onto the handle 30 whereby the
blade 26 assumes the configuration of the handle surface 170 as shown in
FIG. 26. The invention therefore provides a handle and blade connection
system whereby a desired blade configuration may be provided by
configuring the bottom surface 170 of the handle 30 to present the desired
configuration. The handle surface 170 is formed to define receiving
apertures 28 therein each adapted to receive a respective support 28B. A
flexible blade assembly may thereafter be slidably mounted to the handle
30 over the mounting surface 170 whereby the rigidity of the handle 30 and
its mounting surface 170 forces the flexible blade 26 to conform to the
shape of the surface 170, thereby yielding a working blade surface of the
desired configuration.
While the illustrated embodiment depicts a blade handle 30 defining a
substantially "U"-shaped mounting surface 170, it should be recognized
that other mounting surface 170 configurations are within the
contemplation of the inventor.
FIGS. 27-30 illustrate an alternative construction wherein the handle 30 is
formed to define a continuously curved, concavely configured bottom
surface 107A. As shown in FIG. 30, surface 170A defines a plurality of
keyhole-shaped slots 28 and a channel 146 which interconnects the various
slots 28, thereby providing a means of draining those slots of adhesive
which may have entered therein. FIG. 27 illustrates the blade assembly,
formed by planar panel 26 and a plurality of linearly spaced upstanding
supports 28B mounted thereon. The blade assembly is sufficiently flexible
that it can be slidingly mounted onto handle 30 whereby each support 28B
is slidingly received and retained within a respective keyhole slot 28.
Further, due to the flexibility of the blade assembly and the spaced
mounting of the supports, the blade assembly conforms to the bottom
surface 170A such that the bottom surface of blade 26 presents a concave
surface. Due to the rigid nature of the handle 30, the blade assembly is
retained in this configuration during use.
The particular construction shown in FIGS. 27-30 is particularly useful as
a sheet rock trowel for mudding over taped seams.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments hereinbefore
discussed are illustrative of the general principles of the invention. The
embodiments herein described are not intended to limit the scope of the
claims which themselves recite what applicant regards as his invention.
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